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Cruz's tests come back negative after chest scare

Nelson Cruz finally had a full year of health but saw his power slide in 2012 though better luck could push him back to 30 homers for '13

By AJ Cassavell

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers weren't taking any chances with Nelson Cruz on Friday after the right fielder woke up with soreness in his chest. Cruz underwent a full battery of tests at Del Webb Medical Center in Surprise, but all came back negative.

Cruz, who is set to play for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, is expected to be released from the hospital after undergoing a stress test and could resume baseball activities as early as Saturday.

"All the tests came out OK, so we've just got to wait and see how he feels tomorrow, and what the medical staff has to say about it," manager Ron Washington said.

Washington noted that if all goes according to plan, Cruz will join the Dominican Republic on schedule. The Rangers believe Cruz's soreness was strictly muscular.

AJ Cassavell is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.